NEW YORK:  MEGAN’S LAW PUTS REAL ESTATE AGENTS ON SPOT

Real Estate Agents are trying to figure out if they are obligated to tell prospective home buyers that a convicted sex offender lives in the neighborhood.  If they do reveal this, agents are worried that the home will never be sold and/or that real estate prices will drop.  On the other hand, they are concerned about liability if they fail to disclose such information.  Laws in California, Alaska and Virginia require real estate agents to advise home buyers, in writing, about local law enforcement agencies, databases, etc. that will reveal the whereabouts of sex offenders.  Other states such as Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Minnesota, Nevada, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania have relieved real estate agents from any responsibility of facilitating the information.  In Connecticut, legislation is pending that would help potential home buyers to find out information on sex offenders.